20 Interesting Library Facts

The Library of Alexandria was the largest library in the ancient world.

The Library of Alexandria, located in Egypt, was renowned for its vast collection of scrolls and manuscripts, making it a center for knowledge and learning in the ancient world. It is estimated to have housed anywhere between 40,000 to 700,000 scrolls.

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world.

Located in Washington, D.C., the Library of Congress is home to over 170 million items, including books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and recordings. The collection spans a wide range of subjects and languages, making it a valuable resource for researchers and scholars.

The United States has more public libraries than McDonald’s restaurants.

With over 16,000 public libraries across the country, the United States boasts a higher number of libraries than the popular fast-food chain McDonald’s. This highlights the importance and accessibility of libraries in American society.

The world’s oldest library in continuous operation is in Morocco.

The Al-Qarawiyyin Library, located in Fez, Morocco, holds the title of the oldest library in continuous operation since its establishment in the 9th century. It has played a significant role in preserving Arabic manuscripts and promoting Islamic education.

The Vatican Library is one of the oldest libraries in the world.

Founded in 1475, the Vatican Library holds a collection of over 1.1 million books, including ancient manuscripts and rare texts. It is renowned for its rich collection of religious and historical documents.

Libraries offer a variety of formats, including eBooks and audiobooks.

In addition to physical books, many libraries now offer digital resources such as eBooks and audiobooks, allowing patrons to access a wide range of materials from their electronic devices.

The Library of Congress issues an official copyright registration for books published in the United States.

As the nation’s copyright office, the Library of Congress plays a crucial role in registering and preserving the rights of authors and creators. All books published in the United States must be submitted for copyright registration.

The Bodleian Library in Oxford has over 12 million items.

The Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, houses a vast collection of over 12 million printed items, including books, manuscripts, and maps. It serves as the main research library of the University of Oxford.

Libraries provide access to free educational resources.

Libraries play a vital role in providing free access to educational resources, including books, online databases, research materials, and educational programs. They promote lifelong learning and equal access to information.

The Library of Congress receives a copy of every book published in the United States.

Under the United States Copyright Act, the Library of Congress is entitled to receive a copy of every book published in the country. This ensures the preservation and accessibility of the nation’s published works.

The British Library is the second-largest library in the world.

With over 170 million items in its collection, the British Library ranks as the second-largest library globally, surpassed only by the Library of Congress. It houses a vast array of books, manuscripts, maps, and historical documents.

The world’s first public lending library was established in England in the 17th century.

The Borrowers is a famous children’s novel series written by British author Mary Norton. It tells the story of a family of tiny people who live under the floorboards of an old house and “borrow” things from the humans who dwell there.

The Library of Congress is also the world’s largest library in terms of shelf space.

The Library of Congress occupies a substantial amount of space, with its collection extending to over 800 miles of bookshelves. This impressive amount of shelf space is required to accommodate its vast collection.

The world’s smallest library is located in Germany, inside a phone booth.

Measuring only 0.75 square meters, the “Lesenest Bücherschrank” in Germany holds just a few books and fits inside an old phone booth. It serves as a miniature community library, allowing locals to share and borrow books.

Libraries play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage.

Libraries are not only repositories of knowledge but also guardians of cultural heritage. They preserve and protect valuable historical documents, manuscripts, and artifacts, ensuring their accessibility for future generations.

The Library of Congress serves as a research institution for Congress and the American people.

In addition to its role as the national library of the United States, the Library of Congress serves as a valuable research institution, providing resources and support for legislators, scholars, and the general public.

The oldest known library catalog dates back to ancient Nippur in Mesopotamia.

Discovered on a clay tablet, the catalog recorded around 60,000 writings housed in the library of the temple of Enlil, the patron god of Nippur. It provides insights into the organization and classification of ancient library collections.

The Library of Congress has a collection of over 5 million maps.

The Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress holds one of the largest collections of maps in the world, with over 5 million items ranging from historical maps to modern cartographic materials.

The Library Hotel in New York City has rooms dedicated to different genres of books.

The Library Hotel in Manhattan offers guests an immersive literary experience. Each of its ten floors is dedicated to a different category in the Dewey Decimal System, with rooms adorned with books and literary-inspired décor.

Many famous authors and thinkers have worked in libraries.

Renowned authors and intellectuals, such as Jorge Luis Borges, Virginia Woolf, and Albert Einstein, have spent significant time working in libraries, finding inspiration and solitude among the shelves of books.

These 20 interesting library facts highlight the significance of libraries throughout history and the present day. Whether it’s the preservation of knowledge, access to educational resources, or fostering a love for reading, libraries play a vital role in our society. From ancient libraries to modern-day institutions, the world of libraries continues to evolve and provide valuable services to communities worldwide.

Conclusion

In conclusion, libraries are not just quiet spaces filled with books. They are fascinating places with a rich history and interesting facts. From the oldest library in the world to the largest book collection, libraries offer so much more than meets the eye. They have evolved with the times and now provide a wide range of services, from digital resources to community programs. Whether you’re a book lover or simply curious about the world, libraries have something for everyone. So, next time you visit a library, take a moment to appreciate the incredible stories and facts that are waiting to be discovered within its walls.

FAQs

Q: What is the oldest library in the world?

A: The oldest known library is the Library of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, Iraq, dating back to the 7th century BC.

Q: Which library has the largest book collection?

A: The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. is considered to have the largest collection of books, with over 38 million volumes.

Q: Are all libraries open to the public?

A: While many libraries are open to the public, there are some specialized libraries that have restricted access and are only open to specific groups or institutions.

Q: What is the significance of the Dewey Decimal System?

A: The Dewey Decimal System is a classification system used by libraries to organize books based on subject categories. It was developed by Melvil Dewey in 1876 and is widely used in libraries around the world.

Q: Can I borrow e-books from libraries?

A: Yes, many libraries now offer e-books and digital resources that can be borrowed and accessed remotely using library membership.